What No One Tells You About "Making It" As A Creative Professional
Nailing the work is just step one. Here’s what actually moves the needle.
Yes…
Definitely explore whatever Creative projects are meaningful to you…
Absolutely work on the mechanics and fundamentals of your craft to improve how (and what!) you make…
For certain, tune your presentation and make sure your work pops!
Without question, edit and polish your work to make sure it’s the best it can be…
But.
But…
Never forget, these activities are all just table stakes.*
They’re the price of admission.
They get you to the bottom of the ladder, NOT the top of the ladder. Getting to the top of the ladder requires something different.
People will come for your work…
…but will stay for your vibe.
People will show up for your tips and tricks…
…But will stay for the way you make them feel.
People will show up for your advice…
…but will stay for the community you build.
People will show up to see what you create…
…But will stay (or not!) because of the creator!
So… yes. Of course…
Keep improving your craft.
Keep learning.
Keep creating.
But don’t stop there! Show your audience who you are. Let the YOU shine through everything you do. That’s what makes people stick around.
That’s what turns good work into something unforgettable. Want to stand out?
Show something real. Show up as you. That’s where the magic starts!
*Table Stakes, you say? What even is that?!
Table stakes are the basic things you need to have just to be part of the game or be taken seriously in a certain area. For example, if you want to play soccer, having a ball and a field is the table stakes. In business, table stakes are the bare minimum stuff a company needs to do just to be a company… like having a website or good customer service. In other words… They’re important.
Necessary, even!
But… They're not enough by themselves to ensure success. On the contrary, Table Stakes are the things everyone needs to be doing at bare minimum if they hope to grow.